Planning Programs and Projects

This page allows users to search for projects from the RTA’s Planning Programs. Users can search for projects by name or keyword from the Search bar or the Filter pulldown menus. 

Table results display summary information about each project. To view more details for a project, select the + icon to expand the view for additional information.

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This search filters based on details within the Planning Project. The search box below allows users to search by Planning Project name.

Year Project Title Program Project Type Project Partner Budget Funding Source(s) Status Sort descending
+ Berwyn Transit-Oriented Master Plan Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Berwyn $95,391
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description

This project produced a transit-oriented development plan for the three Berwyn Metra station areas along the Metra BNSF rail corridor between Harlem Avenue and Ridgeland Avenue: LaVergne, Berwyn and Harlem Ave.

Current Activities

The final plan was adopted by the City Council in November 2008. In the same year the City constructed a shared parking deck on Grove Avenue for their downtown using a combination of local and federal funds. They are also currently in talks with developers to develop key pieces of property within their TOD area.

In late November 2011, it was announced that the West Cook County Housing Collaborative received a nearly $3 million grant for its transit-oriented development strategy to update comprehensive plans and to create a sustainable transit-oriented development fund for the communities of Bellwood, Berwyn, Forest Park, Maywood and Oak Park. The RTA is provided in-kind assistance to the West Cook Housing Collaborative as a member of the steering committee that discussed strategies to attract TOD investment in each community. The city of Berwyn has secured $11 million in grant funding to complete infrastructure improvements in the Depot District. These improvements will include improved pedestrian accommodations, new lighting, green infrastructure such as permeable pavers, new lighting, bike lanes and bike racks. Final design and then bidding the work will continue through the end of 2017.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $19,078
Federal $76,313

Last Updated 01.19.2023

+ RGAs Safety Transportation Training Program '08 Section 5310 / JARC / NF Mobility Management Ray Graham Association $43,406
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description
The project will assess and provide training to the disabled and older adults to improve their ability to utilize transportation services.
Current Activities
Since the project's inception in September 2009 through June 2014, the project received 498 referrals with 454 participants having completed training. This project is complete
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $8,681
Federal $34,725

Last Updated 06.13.2019

+ Skokie Developer Discussion Panel Community Planning Developer Panel Skokie $3,000
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description

RTA worked with ULI and the Village to coordinate a developer panel to determine a practical approach to creating a financially-feasible, transit-supportive neighborhood of mixed-use commercial and residential development. The project focused will be along the corridors adjacent to the Oakton-Skokie CTA Station and the neighboring high-density multifamily residential neighborhoods. This effort is intended to support the new CTA station, CTA and Pace Suburban Bus services, and the neighborhood's commercial areas.

Current Activities

This discussion was held on July 10th and a summary of this discussion can be found in the Related Studies section.

In 2020, construction began on a $64 million, 153-unit mixed-use development located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Oakton Street.  Called Highpoint at 8000 North, this development is emblematic of the type of development that Developer Panel participants recommended for the Oakton Street corridor. The Village anticipates that the development will be open for residents in 2022.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $3,000

Last Updated 01.10.2022

+ Lake Villa Metra Station Access Improvements Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Lake Villa $330,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

This project connects over 230 residential housing units with the Lake Villa Metra Station through the construction of a 2,780 foot sidewalk and associated grading, utility adjustments, and restoration.

Current Activities

Construction of this project is complete. 

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $66,000
Federal $264,000

Last Updated 01.10.2022

+ Brookfield Metra Station Bicycle Parking Access to Transit Program Pedestrian Access to Transit Brookfield $277,150
  • RTA
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

This project funded construction of covered bicycle parking at both the Congress Park and Brookfield Metra Stations. Twenty-four racks were installed at Congress Park and 12 at Brookfield. These improvements leverage Brookfield's existing bicycle facilities and support the annual Bike Brookfield event.

Current Activities

Construction of these improvements was completed in 2022.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $13,857
Local $41,573
Federal $221,720

Last Updated 04.26.2024

+ Wilmette TOD Zoning Code Update (Parking) Community Planning TOD Zoning Wilmette $10,000
  • RTA
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Description
This project assisted the the Village of Wilmette with updating their Village Center Parking Regulations.
Current Activities
The new TOD parking regulations took effect April 1, 2014. For more information please click here.

In September the Village announced that they will be selling 611 Green Bay Road to a developer for a 6-story mixed-use project that will break ground in mid or late 2015. For the latest information on this project please click here.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $2,000
Federal $8,000

Last Updated 06.30.2015

+ New Lenox Developer Discussion Panel Community Planning Developer Panel New Lenox $3,750
  • RTA
Completed

Project Details

Description
The RTA coordinated with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to bring in a panel of development experts to provide guidance and advice on ways the community can attract TOD investment in their Metra station area.
Current Activities
This panel convened in October 2013 and the Summary Report can be found below in the Study Documents. The Village is currently using the recommendations from this discussion to redevelop the focus area. The RTA is monitoring progress and will offer assistance with implementation as needed.
Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $3,750

Last Updated 06.22.2015

+ - RGAs Ensuring Access to the Community '16-17 Section 5310 / JARC / NF Operating Ray Graham Association $2,717,340
  • Local
  • Federal
Completed

Project Details

Related Reports

Not Available

Description

Individuals with disabilities are transported from their homes to Community Learning Centers and to a variety of other activities including grocery shopping, medical appointments, volunteer opportunities and recreational activities.

Current Activities

The operating service provided 15,668 trips in June 2022.  

This project is complete.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
Local $1,358,670
Federal $1,358,670

Last Updated 11.24.2023

+ Orland Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Orland Park $50,000
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description
The Village of Orland Park Transit-Oriented Development Planning Study developed a conceptual plan to facilitate mixed-use development in the Metra 143rd Street station area. The plan thematically ties the station area to Orland Park's historic district, south of 143rd Street. Recommendations included a mix of land uses, including housing, shops and offices surrounding a new 143rd Street Metra station. The plan also included a recommendation for the relocation of the commuter rail station to the north and east of its current location to mitigate access and circulation problems at the original station site. The study was completed in November 2000.
Current Activities

Orland Park constructed and opened a new Metra station at 143rd Street in April 2007. Service was also doubled on the SW Service line at the same time and saw a 20% increase in ridership. The Village also updated their zoning ordinance to include transit-supportive regulations.

Ninety 7 Fifty on the Park, a 295-unit luxury apartment complex & commercial development built near the 143rd Street Metra station, broke ground in March 2012 and is now fully occupied. 

In October 2014 the Residences of Orland Park Crossing, a 231‐unit rental apartment, rowhome and townhome development broke ground across the street from the 143rd Metra station at 143rd and La Grange Road and the first residential units have been delivered for occupancy. A Mariano's grocery store has also opened in the commercial area adjacent to this site.

In 2014, the University of Chicago announced that they will be developing a 120,000SF outpatient medical facility at the northwest corner of 143rd Street and LaGrange Road which opened in December 2016. In conjunction with this project, the Village constructed a parking structure at the northeast corner of 143rd Street and Ravinia Avenue which opened in October 2016. This project adds 520+ spaces on roughly two acres of currently vacant municipal-owned land and includes a 12,000 square foot restaurant space.

In March 2017 the next development for the station area was announced by the Village for the 1.6-acre, triangle-shaped property it owns just west of the Ninety 7 Fifty on the Park apartment building and south of the 143rd Street Metra station, which is a two story, 80,000 sq. ft. mixed used building. This newest development is anchored by a luxury cinema on the second floor with first floor specialty retail and restaurant tenants.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $30,000
Local $20,000

Last Updated 02.13.2024

+ Bensenville Transit Improvement Plan and Station Area Study Community Planning Transit-Oriented Development Plan Bensenville $123,130
  • RTA
  • Local
Completed

Project Details

Description

In the spring of 2010 the Village of Bensenville engaged a planning process to assess the potential for improving the community's overall transportation system and revitalizing its main road corridors and Downtown train station area. Increasing transit ridership and facilitating new development along the roadways as well as in downtown was key goals of the Study.

The study consisted of two primary areas; land use development in downtown and along major transit corridors and a transit improvement plan for existing and potential transit. The downtown plan assessed the short and long-term potential of redeveloping key parcels in downtown. The process evaluated land use redevelopment project potentials along key transit corridors including York Road, Green Street, and County that would enhance the transit system over time. The planning process also included a comprehensive analysis of the Villages existing and potential transit services. Recommendations took into consideration the potential expansion of the western terminal at O'Hare airport and the proposed roadway changes due to the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway Corridor. Please visit the project's website for updated reports and information http://www.thelakotagroup.com/bensenville.

Current Activities

Bensenville continues to make progress in implementing their Transit Improvement Plan & Station Area/Corridor Study. Currently under construction are the YorkWood Townhomes, a two story five unit townhome development located at 201 South York Road, approximately 1/3 of a mile from the Bensenville Metra Station. This townhome development is estimated to be completed by the end of June of 2018. The A & E Luxury Apartments, a three-story 29 unit rental apartment building located at 213 North Walnut Street was constructed in 2017 located 1/2 mile from the Metra station and a few blocks from Pace route 332 service at Irving and Addison Streets. The Green Street Grill at 120 West Green Street is also notable for being conveniently located to Metra and Pace services in downtown Bensenville.

Funding Amounts by Source
Source Amount
RTA $98,504
Local $24,626

Last Updated 07.18.2023